Philippines: Senator Legarda urges President Aquino to lead disaster-resilient governance

Senator Loren Legarda reiterated the importance of prioritizing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation on the list of National Government programs.

“The President’s agenda is clearly aimed at creating a culture of responsible citizenship and responsible governance. A fundamental way to institute this reform is to lead the road to disaster-resilient governance - pursuing a comprehensive program that will address the ill effects of disasters and climate change on health, hunger and malnutrition, agriculture and fisheries, jobs and livelihoods, natural resources and energy,” stated Legarda.

She also added that "The National Greening Program, the National Renewable Energy Program, the Project NOAH, and the Geo-Hazard Mapping Project are welcome developments in our efforts to build disaster and climate-resilient communities. The Geo-Hazard Mapping Project in particular, if utilized, will ensure that we do not place our people, mostly the poor and vulnerable, their homes and livelihoods in high-risk areas, as identified in the maps.” However, Senator Legarda urged the government to implement the already existing laws on solid waste management, climate change and disaster preparedness.